CLEARWATER/TAMPA/TARPON SPRINGS       

 

Capt. Rich Knox of Absolute Flats Fishing reports gator trout (Big Spotted Sea trout) fishing is still great and improving more as big fish are moving up on the flats, barrier islands, spoil islands and the river mouths of the Anclote and Pithlatchcotee rivers. 

 

January is the month that we see some of the lowest tides of the year, way below mean low water, skinny water flats boats are the order of the day.  They allow you to access deep holes or troughs on the flats.  Redfish, nice trout, some snook and Sheepshead are the main species that you will find in these pockets of gold.  Find these honey holes by crusing the flat on the low tide drop off and look across the sand bars and where the birds are not wading.  Also the deep holes will have a distinct green color.

 

Most of the snook and juvenile tarpon are in their winter hang outs.  Deep water  protected dark bottom canals, springs in some of the bayous and the river and well up the rivers in the deep bends.  We are using light tackle 8 to 10 lb test on G-Loomis spinning rods.

 

We are now booking spring slam trips and the 2008 giant tarpon fishing season.  Last season was excellent with numerous fish daily from 100 to 200 lbs.  for more information call us toll free at 1-800-890-9373 or email us at capt.richknox@verizon.net.